Drying clothes indoors during winter can be a slow process without a tumble dryer, but a simple two-minute step after washing can help speed things up. Laundry specialists at Lenor recommend giving garments a brief shake when removing them from the washing machine, combined with an extra spin cycle, to extract surplus water and reduce drying time.
"The cold, damp winter months can make drying clothes in winter a challenge, particularly when you don't have a tumble dryer," the experts explained. "In summer drying clothes is much easier as your homes and garden are naturally warmer so clothes can air dry quickly. But drying clothes indoors in the winter can take up a lot of room and a lot of time."
How the Shake-and-Spin Method Works
The technique involves running an additional spin cycle on the washing machine and then shaking each item before hanging it up. This helps remove excess water and dampness, allowing clothes to dry faster and smell fresh rather than musty.
The experts advised: "Give laundry a good spin and an extra shake when removing it from the washing machine to extract surplus water and damp. Make sure you check your laundry's care labels before you spin them, as some clothes will be too delicate."
Hanging Tips for Faster Drying
Another key step is to hang clothes immediately after washing. Leaving them in the machine or a laundry basket can cause a musty smell. If space is limited, a curtain rail can serve as an extra hanging area.
When using a clothes horse, position it near an open window or in a well-ventilated spot. Space garments properly rather than bunching them together, and turn them periodically during the day to speed up drying.
